CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS IN RENEWABLE ENERY

PUBLIC–PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS IN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

CALL FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is participating in a Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). The SGCI is a 5-year programme which seeks to strengthen the capacities of science granting councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development. The objectives of this Initiative are to strengthen the ability of Science Granting Councils in order to: (i) manage research; (ii) design and monitor research programmes based on the use of robust science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators; (iii) support knowledge exchange with the private sector; and (iv) establish partnerships between Science Granting Councils and other science system actors. The programme is jointly funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), and South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF).

RATIONALE, SCOPE AND THEMATIC FOCUS

The transition to knowledge-based economies has put the role of knowledge at the pinnacle trade, investments, manufacturing and socio-economic development. The contribution of the knowledge generating organizations, their linkages with the private sector and the potential for knowledge exchange and technology transfer has become central. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) in research and innovation present an opportunity for co-creation and exchange of knowledge and associated products with the private sector. In the context of the SGCI, public-private sector partnerships refer to the linkages between the publicly-funded research entities on the one hand, and the industry, particularly the manufacturing sector, on the other hand.

In order to promote the co-creation and exchange of knowledge and associated products between the public and private sector, the SGCI and the SGCs in SSA have instituted a Public and Private Partnership Research and Innovation Grant. The grant, in Malawi, has been established with co-funding between the SGCI and NCST with the aim of supporting research projects in Renewable Energy as one of the identified national priority areas of research. The SGCI and NCST will, therefore, co-fund demand-led, collaborative research projects that address issues of relevance to the private sector focusing on Renewable Energy.

The National Commission for Science and Technology (NCST) is, therefore, calling for research proposals focusing on renewable energy to be considered for funding. Each proposal will be funded at an approximate value of US$30,000 for research projects that will be implemented for a period not exceeding 18 months. For more information, download the programme prospectus.

ELIGIBILITY AND HOW TO APPLY

Applications are open to all bonafide staff in research institutions in Malawi. Please refer to the programme prospectus www.ncst.mw/sgci for eligibility and other application requirements. The application process is divided into two stages:

Stage 1: Full proposals: Applicants will be required to submit full proposals which will be subjected to rigorous review by an independent panel of experts. All proposals must be submitted in the prescribed template and will be judged on their quality and merit. A full proposal template can be downloaded here www.ncst.mw/sgcior can be requested from any of the email addresses below.

Stage 2: Applicant interviews: Shortlisted candidates will undergo oral interviews with a select panel of experts before a final determination will be made.

The full proposals should be submitted electronically to directorgeneral@ncst.mw with a copy to sgci@ncst.mw and sgci_ppp@scinnovent.org no later than 31st May, 2018 with the subject heading: `Full proposal – public – private partnerships in research and innovation in Renewable Energy’ clearly specified.